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Turn to these popular Articles of insight, inspiration and practical suggestions for your spiritual growth. |
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The Bridge to Unityby Laura Turlington Everything in our world is connected, created from the same infinite source, and built from the same material. We are every tree, we are every person, we are the space between form. Every tree is us, every person is us, the space between form is us. At times, our consciousness, as expressed through our bodies and minds, can lose sight of the oneness of everything. The separation we perceive between us and everything else happens because we make singular, personal interpretations about life as it moves through us. The conclusion that we are separate also seems validated by our senses. We appear to be distinct, sensing bodies, experiencing and feeling life differently than everyone else. Given this data, how could we conclude anything other than separation? The belief that we are separate from one another is only one option of many possibilities. Imagine instead that we are not separate beings, but are all related, distinct only in the way and to the degree in which we interpret what we experience. Suppose that in our individual expression, we are a vital piece of something larger. Visualize the single human and the whole of creation like cells in a body: each has a specialized task essential to the creation, function and sustainability of the whole. When we forget that we are one, we search for ways to re-connect, to make-up for our apparent disconnection, to dissolve the veil of separation. Some of us use substances to achieve this. Some of us use meditation. We can also use gratitude. Gratitude is the bridge to unity. Like a circuit, an act of gratitude continues the flow of energy. Gratitude creates balance by acknowledging the giver and the receiver, the given and the received. Gratitude is also amazingly unaffected by our beliefs and opinions. This is because gratitude is first and foremost an energetic configuration, not an intellectual concept. To understand this, let’s look at how the energy of gratitude works: first, we recognize something which brings us a quality that we value; then, we see that something or someone (even ourselves) has created this gift; in exchange for the gift, we offer our gratitude; in offering our gratitude, we complete the circuit of energy and are directly connected to the source of our gift; in this spilt second, we are fully present, unified with something or someone once perceived as outside of ourselves; we experience common energy and intent, our hearts open and we are united. Gratitude focuses tremendous presence and attention, and in doing so, reveals to us our infinite nature. Every human being can express gratitude. No special training is required. Giving gratitude, or openly receiving gratitude from someone else, dissipates the veil of separation more quickly than any substance, than any practice. Gratitude is not only the bridge to unity, but it is the fast lane, the warp speed ticket to heaven. Acts of gratitude create a quality of being where we can glimpse the interconnectedness of all creation. Imagine the quality of life one would experience with regular, generous portions of gratitude. Even during the most challenging days, when we simply cannot find our center, our balance, we can express gratitude for the simplest and most profound gift: our breath. Yes, it is that easy. From this perspective, gratitude is more than a tool or a practice: it is a way of being. By definition, being implies no distinction, no separation; it just is. Embrace being gratitude. Laura Turlington is a Life Mastery Programs Teacher, architect, and writer for Aspire Magazine. She can be reached at lpt@pirieturlington.com. |
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